10 CFR 429.21 - Residential clothes dryers.

Beta! The text on the eCFR tab represents the unofficial eCFR text at ecfr.gov.

§ 429.21 Residential clothes dryers.

(a)Sampling plan for selection of units for testing.

(1) The requirements of § 429.11 are applicable to clothes dryers; and

(2) For each basic model of clothes dryers a sample of sufficient size shall be randomly selected and tested to ensure that -

(i) Any represented value of estimated annual operating cost, energy consumption or other measure of energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower values shall be greater than or equal to the higher of:

(ii) Any represented value of the energy factor, combined energy factor, or other measure of energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor higher values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:

(1) The requirements of § 429.12 are applicable to clothes dryers; and

(2) Pursuant to § 429.12(b)(13), a certification report shall include the following public product-specific information: When using appendix D, the energy factor in pounds per kilowatt hours (lb/kWh), the capacity in cubic feet (cu ft), the voltage in volts (V) (for electric dryers only), an indication if the dryer has automatic termination controls, and the hourly British thermal unit (Btu) rating of the burner (for gas dryers only); when using appendix D1, the combined energy factor in pounds per kilowatt hours (lb/kWh), the capacity in cubic feet (cu ft), the voltage in volts (V) (for electric dryers only), an indication if the dryer has automatic termination controls, and the hourly Btu rating of the burner (for gas dryers only); when using appendix D2, the combined energy factor in pounds per kilowatt hours (lb/kWh), the capacity in cubic feet (cu ft), the voltage in volts (V) (for electric dryers only), an indication if the dryer has automatic termination controls, the hourly Btu rating of the burner (for gas dryers only), and a list of the cycle setting selections for the energy test cycle as recorded in section 3.4.7 of appendix D2 to Subpart B of Part 430.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this SNOPR, submitted no later than December 28, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Part 429

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to modify the test procedure proposals for portable air conditioners (ACs), initially presented in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) published on February 25, 2015. Upon further analysis and review of the public comments received in response to the February 2015 NOPR, DOE proposes in this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) the following additions and clarifications to its proposed portable AC test procedure: (1) Minor revisions to the indoor and outdoor cooling mode test conditions; (2) an additional test condition for cooling mode testing; (3) updated infiltration air and capacity calculations to account for the second cooling mode test condition; (4) removal of the measurement of case heat transfer; (5) a clarification of test unit placement within the test chamber; (6) removal of the heating mode test procedure; (7) a revision to the CEER calculation to reflect the two cooling mode test conditions and removal of heating mode testing; and (8) additional technical corrections and clarifications. These proposals are to be combined with the initial NOPR proposals and would be codified in a newly created appendix CC to title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 430, subpart B. The test procedures would be used to determine capacities and energy efficiency metrics that would be the basis for any future energy conservation standards for portable ACs.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of data availability (NODA); withdrawal and republication.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NODA submitted no later than December 4, 2015. See section IV, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is withdrawing and republishing the Notice of Data Availability (NODA) published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2015 (80 FR 69888) due to errors in that published document. DOE is republishing this document in its entirety. DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for the commercial prerinse spray valve (CPSV) energy conservation standards rulemaking on July 9, 2015. In response to comments on the NOPR, DOE has revised its analyses. This NODA announces the availability of those updated analyses and results, and gives interested parties an opportunity to comment on these analyses and submit additional data. The NODA analysis is publicly available on the DOE Web site.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) no later than January 4, 2016. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, DOE is also seeking comment on a new information collection. See the Paperwork Reduction Act section under Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review, section III.C. Please submit all comments relating to information collection requirements to DOE no later than January 19, 2016. Comments to OMB are most useful if submitted within 45 days of publication.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing requirements related to the enforcement of regional standards for central air conditioners, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking no later than December 18, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to codify provisions of the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014 that exempt from energy conservation standards certain external power supplies (EPSs) made available by a manufacturer as a service or spare part. Consistent with that Act, DOE is proposing to require annual reports of the total number of exempt EPS units sold as service and spare parts that do not meet the relevant energy conservation standards.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of data availability (NODA).

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NODA submitted no later than November 27, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for the commercial prerinse spray valve (CPSV) energy conservation standards rulemaking on July 9, 2015. 80 FR 39486. In response to comments on the NOPR, DOE has revised its analyses. This NODA announces the availability of those updated analyses and results, and give interested parties an opportunity to comment and submit additional data to support DOE's CPSV rulemaking. At this time, DOE is not proposing any energy conservation standard for commercial prerinse spray valves. The NODA analysis is publically available at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=100.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) no later than December 9, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. DOE proposed amendments to the test procedure in a June 2010 notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), an April 2011 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), and an October 2011 SNOPR. DOE provided additional time for stakeholder comment in a December 2011 extension of the comment period for the October 2011 SNOPR. DOE received further public comment for revising the test procedure in a November 2014 Request for Information for energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps. DOE proposes in this SNOPR: A new basic model definition as it pertains to central air conditioners and heat pumps and revised rating requirements; revised alternative efficiency determination methods; termination of active waivers and interim waivers; revised procedures to determine off mode power consumption; changes to the test procedure that would improve test repeatability and reduce test burden; clarifications to ambiguous sections of the test procedure intended also to improve test repeatability; inclusion of, amendments to, and withdrawals of test procedure revisions proposed in published test procedure notices in the rulemaking effort leading to this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; and changes to the test procedure that would improve field representativeness. Some of these proposals also include incorporation by reference of updated industry standards. DOE welcomes comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this test procedure rulemaking.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) no later than January 4, 2016. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to clarify its test procedures for fluorescent lamp ballasts established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. DOE is proposing to replace all instances of ballast efficacy factor (BEF) with ballast luminous efficiency (BLE) in our regulations and to add rounding instructions to the same section for BLE and power factor. DOE also proposes to clarify the represented value instructions for power factor. Finally, DOE is proposing to revise Appendix Q to clarify the lamp-ballast pairings for testing.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Reopening of public comment period.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information in response to the NOPR received no later than November 23, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On August 19, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) in the Federal Register regarding energy conservation standards for refrigerated beverage vending machines (BVM ECS NOPR). DOE also held a public meeting on September 29, 2015. The comment period was scheduled to end October 19, 2015. After receiving a request for additional time to prepare and submit comments, DOE has decided to reopen the comment period for submitting comments regarding the BVM ECS NOPR. The comment period is reopened through November 23, 2015.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of public meeting.

DOE will hold a public meeting on September 4, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in Washington, DC. DOE will continue to accept comments, data, and information on the August 6, 2015 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) (80 FR 46870) before and after the public meeting, but no later than September 8, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On August 6, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy proposed to reaffirm that the currently prescribed test procedure must be used when measuring the energy efficiency ratio, integrated energy efficiency ratio, and coefficient of performance for small, large, and very large air-cooled commercial unitary air conditioners (CUAC) and commercial unitary heat pumps (CUHP). DOE noted that it would hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal at the request of interested parties. DOE has since received such a request and is holding a public meeting on September 4, 2015.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule.

The effective date of this rule is September 24, 2015. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

On October 9, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedure for External Power Supplies (EPSs). That proposed rulemaking serves as the basis for this final rule. The U.S. Department of Energy is issuing a final rule amending its test procedure for external power supplies. These changes, which will not affect the measured energy use, will harmonize the instrumentation resolution and uncertainty requirements with the second edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62301 standard when measuring standby power along with other international standards programs, and clarify certain testing set-up requirements. This final rule also clarifies which products are subject to energy conservation standards.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule; correction.

Effective Date: September 4, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

On August 5, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy published a final rule amending the test procedures for clothes washers. This correction addresses a numbering error in the regulatory text, by which two provisions were inadvertently assigned the same section number. Neither the error nor the correction in this document affects the substance of the rulemaking or any of the conclusions reached in support of the final rule.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and announcement of public meeting.

DOE will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting also will be broadcast as a webinar. See section VII of this NOPR, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR before and after the public meeting, but no later than October 19, 2015. See section VII of this NOPR, “Public Participation,” for details. Comments regarding the likely competitive impact of the proposed standard should be sent to the Department of Justice contact listed in the ADDRESSES section before September 18, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines (beverage vending machine). EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to periodically determine whether more-stringent, amended standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. In this NOPR, DOE proposes amended energy conservation standards for Class A and Class B beverage vending machines. DOE is also proposing to amend the definition for Class A equipment to more clearly differentiate Class A and Class B equipment, as well as to amend the definition of combination vending machine. In addition, DOE proposes to establish definitions and new energy conservations standards for Combination A and Combination B classes of beverage vending machines. This NOPR also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results, and announces the availability of the NOPR technical support document (TSD).

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking before and after the public meeting, but no later than October 20, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details. Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to revise its test procedure for battery chargers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended (EPCA). These proposed revisions, if adopted, would harmonize the instrumentation resolution and uncertainty requirements with the second edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62301 standard and other international standards for measuring standby power. Additionally, the proposed amendments would update and propose new battery selection criteria for multi-voltage, multi-capacity battery chargers, and provide specific steps on how to select a battery for those chargers when more than one battery meets the selection criteria, such as with a multi-chemistry battery charger. The proposal also outlines new provisions for conditioning and discharging lead acid batteries.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will hold a public meeting on this proposed test procedure if one is requested by August 13, 2015. If a public meeting is requested, DOE will announce its date and location on the DOE Web site and via email. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after any public meeting, but no later than September 8, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

In this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to reaffirm that the currently prescribed test procedure must be used when measuring the energy efficiency ratio, integrated energy efficiency ratio, and coefficient of performance for small, large, and very large air-cooled commercial unitary air conditioners (CUAC) and commercial unitary heat pumps (CUHP). With this test procedure rulemaking, DOE fulfills its obligation under EPCA to review its test procedures for covered equipment at least once every seven years and either amend the applicable test procedures or publish a determination in the Federal Register not to amend them. The proposed amendments would limit the incorporation by reference of the industry test procedure AHRI Standard 340/360-2007, “2007 Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment” to certain sections and addenda; specify requirements for indoor airflow tolerance and adjustment to meet other rating conditions; clarify requirements for condenser head pressure controls; clarify units of measurement for airflow; and establish a tolerance on part-load rating points. DOE also proposes to amend the certification, compliance, and enforcement provisions for CUACs and CUHPs to specify additional reporting requirements for indoor airflow and add enforcement provisions for verifying the rated cooling capacity, as the rated cooling capacity determines which class of equipment the product belongs to and also determines certain testing conditions.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule.

The effective date of this rule is September 4, 2015. The final rule changes will be mandatory for representations made on or after February 1, 2016.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

On April 25, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for clothes washers. That proposed rulemaking serves as the basis for this final rule. DOE is issuing a final rule revising its test procedures for clothes washers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The final rule amends the current procedures, incorporating changes that will take effect 30 days after the final rule publication date. These changes will be mandatory for representations starting 180 days after publication. These amendments codify test procedure guidance that DOE has issued in response to frequently asked questions, clarify additional provisions within the test procedures, provide improved organization of each section, and correct formatting errors in DOE's clothes washer test procedures. DOE has determined that these amendments will not affect measured energy use.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting.

DOE will hold a public meeting on Monday, August 31, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public meeting, but no later than October 14, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend and expand its test procedures for medium base compact fluorescent lamps (MBCFLs). DOE proposes to replace references to ENERGY STAR requirements with references to the latest versions of industry standard test methods, which, with certain modifications, would replace the existing MBCFL test procedures. DOE is proposing to make these amendments in the existing appendix W to subpart B (Appendix W), renamed as “Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Compact Fluorescent Lamps.” In addition, DOE proposes to establish test procedures that would support the ongoing energy conservation standards rulemaking for general service lamps (GSLs) (GSL standards rulemaking), including test methods for new performance metrics and for additional compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) categories, including non-integrated CFLs and integrated CFLs that are not MBCFLs. DOE also proposes to revise its sampling plan for manufacturers to certify that their CFLs comply with the applicable energy conservation standards. DOE proposes to incorporate measures of standby mode power consumption in its test procedures. DOE also proposes various other conforming amendments. DOE also announces a public meeting to receive comments on these proposed amendments to the test procedures.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule.

The effective date of this rule is August 31, 2015. Compliance with Appendix A to subpart Q of 10 CFR part 431 will be mandatory for representations made on or after January 27, 2016. Compliance with Appendix B to subpart Q of 10 CFR part 431 will be mandatory for representations made on or after the compliance date of any amended energy conservation standards. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0022). DOE will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the compliance date for Appendix B to subpart Q of 10 CFR part 431. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 31, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On August 11, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedure for refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines (beverage vending machines or BVMs). That proposed rulemaking serves as the basis for the final rule. In this final rule, DOE is reorganizing its test procedure for beverage vending machines into an Appendix A, which will be mandatory for equipment testing beginning 180 days after the final rule is published in the Federal Register, and an Appendix B, which will be mandatory for equipment testing to demonstrate compliance with any amended energy conservation standards arising out of DOE's ongoing BVM energy conservation standards rulemaking. Specifically, Appendix A includes amendments that update the referenced test method to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010, eliminate the requirement to test at the 90 °F ambient test condition, establish a provision for testing at the lowest application product temperature, and adopt several amendments and clarifications to the DOE test procedure to improve the repeatability and remove ambiguity from the current BVM test procedure, as established by DOE in the 2006 BVM test procedure final rule. Appendix B contains all the amendments included in Appendix A and, in addition, incorporates provisions to account for the impact of low power modes on measured daily energy consumption (DEC). Finally, DOE is adopting in this final rule several clarifications regarding the certification and reporting requirements for beverage vending machines.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule.

The effective date of this rule is August 31, 2015. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 31, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

On May 21, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for dehumidifiers. On February 4, 2015, DOE published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend the proposed test procedure for dehumidifiers. Those proposed rulemakings serve as the basis for this action. DOE is issuing a final rule to revise its test procedure for dehumidifiers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and establish a new test procedure for dehumidifiers in a new appendix. The amendments to the test procedure provide technical clarifications and repeatability improvements, and do not significantly modify the current test setup, conduct, or results. The new test procedure includes: Separate provisions for testing whole-home dehumidifiers (both refrigerant-only and refrigerant-desiccant types) with a ducted test setup; new dry-bulb temperature test conditions for both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers; an updated definition for off-cycle mode; and additional clarifications and adjustments.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of open meetings and webinars.

See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for meeting dates.

10 CFR Part 429

Summary

This notice announces a series of meetings of the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC). The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that agencies publish notice of an advisory committee meeting in the Federal Register .

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and announcement of public meeting.

Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. The standards meeting will start immediately following the test procedure meeting. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section VII “Public Participation” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR before and after the public meeting, but no later than September 8, 2015. See section VII “Public Participation” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including commercial prerinse spray valves (CPSVs). EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to determine whether more-stringent, amended standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. In this notice, DOE proposes amended energy conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray valves. The notice also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this SNOPR, but no later than August 10, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

This supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) proposes a test procedure for light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (hereafter referred to as LED lamps) to support the implementation of labeling provisions by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as the ongoing general service lamps rulemaking, which includes LED lamps. The SNOPR proposes test procedures for determining the lumen output, input power, lamp efficacy, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), power factor, lifetime, and standby mode power for LED lamps. The SNOPR also proposes a definition for time to failure to support the definition of lifetime. This SNOPR revises the previous proposed test procedures for LED lamps by referencing two recently published industry standards that describe a process for taking lumen maintenance measurements and projecting those measurements for use in the lifetime test method.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Final rule.

The effective date of this rule is July 30, 2015. The final rule changes will be mandatory for representations starting June 24, 2016. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 30, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On March 13, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) and packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs). That NOPR serves as the basis for this final rule regarding the test method for PTACs and PTHPs. The amendments adopted here do not affect measured energy use. These changes incorporate by reference certain sections of the latest versions of industry test procedures AHRI Standard 310/380-2014, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 16-1983 (RA 2014), ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 58-1986 (RA 2014), and specify additional testing provisions that must be followed including an optional break-in period, require that cooling capacity tests be conducted using electricity measuring instruments accurate to +/− 0.5% of reading, explicitly require that wall sleeves be sealed, allow for the pre-filling of the condensate drain pan, and require testing with 14-inch deep wall sleeves and the filter option most representative of a typical installation.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting.

DOE will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, “Public Participation,” for instructions and information concerning meeting attendance and webinar participation. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this proposed rulemaking before and after the public meeting, but no later than September 8, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend the test procedures for commercial prerinse spray valves to consider the latest version of the industry standard that is incorporated by reference and to consider a procedure for measuring the spray force. DOE also proposes to revise the definition of commercial prerinse spray valve and the current test procedure as they relate to various spray valves currently on the market, including those with multiple spray patterns. DOE does not believe the proposed changes will affect the measured water use. As part of this proposal, DOE is announcing a public meeting to collect comments and data on its proposal.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this SNOPR until August 17, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes a number of changes to the proposed test procedure rule published on October 17, 2014. Specifically, DOE proposes to clarify that a ceiling fan is not subject to the test procedure if the plane of rotation of the ceiling fan's blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal, rather than exempt air circulators (or air-circulating fan heads) from the test procedure. DOE also proposes to test high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans according to test procedures based on the current DOE test procedure for ceiling fans, rather than the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) 230 test procedure. All ceiling fans larger than seven feet in diameter would still be tested according to a test procedure based on the AMCA 230 test procedure, but all ceiling fans less than seven feet in diameter would be tested according to test procedures based on the current DOE test procedure. DOE also proposes that the test require mounting all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet to the real ceiling, rather than a false ceiling, during testing. The proposed test method would also increase the number of speeds at which ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet are tested, and clarify the weighting associated with each tested speed in the energy efficiency metric and update the test room dimensions for ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet. Finally, DOE proposes to clarify the effective date corresponding to the NOPR proposal to reinterpret the statutory definition of a ceiling fan to include hugger ceiling fans.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Reopening of public comment period.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding the notice of proposed rulemaking no later than July 10, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

On March 11, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) that proposes to revise its test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (80 FR 12876). DOE published this NOPR so stakeholders can review and provide input on these proposed revisions. The comment period for the NOPR pertaining to the subject residential furnaces and boilers test procedure was scheduled to end May 26, 2015. After receiving a request for additional time to comment, DOE has decided to reopen the comment period for the NOPR pertaining to the test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers until July 10, 2015.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Reopening of the public comment period and announcement of public meeting.

Comments: The comment period for the NOPR for the Conversion Factor for Test Procedures for Consumer and Certain Commercial Water Heaters published on April 14, 2015 (80 FR 20116), is reopened. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR before and after the public meeting, but no later than June 15, 2015. Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar.

10 CFR Parts 429, 430, and 431

Summary

On April 14, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) that proposes mathematical conversion factors for converting from the current efficiency metrics ( i.e., energy factor for residential water heaters, and thermal efficiency and standby loss for commercial water heaters) to the uniform efficiency descriptor ( i.e., uniform energy factor metric). The comment period for the NOPR pertaining to the test procedures for water heaters was scheduled to end May 14, 2015. After receiving a request for additional time to comment for stakeholders, DOE is reopening the comment period for the NOPR for the Conversion Factor for Test Procedures for Consumer and Certain Commercial Water Heaters to June 15, 2015. Additionally, at the request of stakeholders, DOE is announcing a public meeting to discuss the conversion factors for consumer and commercial water heaters.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and public meeting; correction.

April 24, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On April 2, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and public meeting for Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Pumps. This document corrects the terms in one of the equations.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking and public meeting; correction.

April 24, 2015.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

On April 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking and public meeting for Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Pumps. This document corrects terms in four equations.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) no later than May 14, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429, 430, and 431

Summary

As required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish a mathematical conversion factor for the purpose of translating efficiency ratings for water heaters under the test method currently in effect to the ratings under the amended test method promulgated by DOE in a final rule published on July 11, 2014 (hereinafter referred to as the “the July 2014 final rule”). Compliance with the amended test procedure is required beginning on the later of: one year after the publication of a final rule that establishes a mathematical conversion factor, or December 31, 2015. This rulemaking document proposes a mathematical conversion factor which may be used to convert the existing efficiency ratings under the current Federal test procedure to efficiency ratings under the test procedure adopted in the July 2014 final rule for water heater basic models manufactured, tested and certified prior to the compliance date of the amended test procedure. The amended test procedure applies to all covered consumer water heaters and the covered commercial water heating equipment with residential applications defined in the July 2014 final rule as a “residential-duty commercial water heater.” In addition, this document proposes amendments to the minimum energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters and residential-duty commercial water heaters to account for the impact of the new metric, but does not alter the stringency of the existing energy conservation standards. While DOE has not planned a public meeting to discuss this proposal, DOE is willing to consider a request to hold a meeting.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and public meeting.

Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section VIII Public Participation for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public meeting, but no later than June 1, 2015. See section VIII Public Participation for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part C of Title III, which for editorial reasons was re-designated as Part A-1 upon incorporation into the U.S. Code, establishes the “Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment.” The covered equipment includes pumps. In this document, DOE proposes to establish new energy conservation standards for pumps and announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking and public meeting.

DOE will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section IV.M, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR before and after the public meeting, but no later than June 15, 2015. See section IV.M, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish a new test procedure for pumps. Specifically, DOE is proposing a test method for measuring the hydraulic power, shaft power, and electric input power of pumps, inclusive of electric motors and any continuous or non-continuous controls. The proposal, if adopted, would incorporate by reference the test procedure from the Hydraulic Institute (HI)—Standard 40.6-2014, “Methods for Rotodynamic Pump Efficiency Testing.” The proposed test procedure would be used to determine the constant load pump energy index (PEI CL ) for pumps sold without continuous or non-continuous controls or the variable load pump energy index (PEI VL ) for pumps sold with continuous or non-continuous controls. The PEI CL and PEI VL describe the power consumption of the rated pump, inclusive of an electric motor and, if applicable, any integrated continuous or non-continuous controls, normalized with respect to the performance of a minimally compliant pump for each pump basic model. The proposal reflects certain recommendations made by a stakeholder Working Group for pumps established under the Appliance Standards Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC). DOE is also announcing a public meeting to discuss and receive comments on issues presented in this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR).

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting.

Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday March 26, 2015 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public meeting, but no later than May 26, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers established under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This rulemaking will fulfill DOE's obligation to review its test procedures for covered products at least once every seven years. The proposed rule generally considers revisions based on the latest industry standards incorporated by reference, clarifications to the set-up and methodology, as well as new procedures for verification of the design requirements for certain categories of boilers and for estimating electrical consumption of furnaces and boilers. DOE is also announcing a public meeting to discuss and receive comments on issues presented in this test procedure rulemaking.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public meeting, but no later than May 11, 2015. See section V, “Public Participation,” for details. DOE will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, “Public Participation,” for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish test procedures for portable air conditioners (ACs) in accordance with the guidance and requirements set forth by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish technologically feasible, economically justified energy conservation standards for products identified by specific criteria to provide national energy savings through improved energy efficiency. The proposed test procedures are based upon industry methods to determine energy consumption in active modes, off-cycle mode, standby modes, and off mode, with certain modifications to ensure the test procedures are repeatable and representative. The proposed test procedure would create a new appendix CC, which would be used to determine capacities and energy efficiency metrics that could be the basis for any future energy conservation standards for portable ACs. DOE also proposes adding a sampling plan and rounding requirements for portable ACs, necessary when certifying capacity and efficiency of a basic model.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) submitted no later than March 6, 2015. See Section V, “Public Participation,” for details.

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend the test procedure proposals presented in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), published on May 21, 2014. The proposed revisions include modifications to the whole-home dehumidifier test setup and conduct, and revisions to the measurement of energy use in fan-only operation first proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE also introduces a methodology to determine whole-home dehumidifier case volume, clarifies the equations used to calculate corrected relative humidity and capacity for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, and provides additional technical corrections and clarifications. The additional proposals are to be combined with the initial proposals from May 2014.